Dyson’s first electric car will arrive in 2021, it has been confirmed. The car, which is yet to be given a name or acquire any vital statistics, will be built in numbers expected to be less than 10,000 and aimed primarily at the vast Asian ‘growth markets.’

The company, which makes vacuum cleaners, hand dryers and lately also a clever curling wand for hair, has confirmed a Singaporean location for the two-storey facility that will produce its first, ‘low-volume’ premium electric car.

Groundwork will start on the site in December. Singapore already hosts a Dyson factory where 1100 staff make what it calls ‘Digital Motors’; a trademarked phrase referring to a brushless permanent-magnet synchronous motor. It’s essentially the same design as is used on most electrically-driven cars on the market already, but with a flashier name (think ‘Retina’ screen).

Dyson is pouring some £2.5 billion into an automotive car project. An in-house proving ground has already been launched as part of an £85 million investment at Hullavington Airfield, Wiltshire, including surfaces that emulate real roads as well as long straights for speed and stability testing.

Artist's impression of the Wiltshire proving ground

It had been hoped in this country that the EV factory would also be located in the UK, but in a letter to Dyson staff, Jim Rowan, company CEO wrote:

“Singapore offers access to high-growth markets as well as an extensive supply chain and a highly skilled workforce. Singapore has a comparatively high cost base, but also great technology expertise and focus. It is therefore the right place to make high-quality technology-loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle.”

The rejuvenated facility at Hullavington Airfield, Wiltshire

The second and third Dyson cars will be mass-produced once a supply chain is properly established with the first car. A sports car isn’t on the cards but one of the vehicles will be able to reach 100mph, according to reports.

Dyson cars will focus primarily on technology rather than performance, using solid state batteries for lighter weight and greater energy density. We can expect minimalist design, colourful accents and as much emphasis on digital as possible.